The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has confirmed that 25 people have now died following the tragic boat accident in Gbajibo community, Mokwa Local Government Area.
The boat, carrying over 200 passengers, capsized on October 1 during a journey to Gbajibo for the Mawlid celebration.
In a statement on Wednesday, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, Director-General of NSEMA, revealed that an additional 16 bodies were recovered during the ongoing search-and-rescue efforts, bringing the total number of bodies found to 25.
The victims include 4 females and 21 males.
“NSEMA is leading the search-and-rescue operations in collaboration with the State Ministry of Transport, the Mokwa Local Government Emergency Committee, local divers, and community volunteers,” Baba-Arah said.
“The rescue efforts continue, as the state mourns the loss of those who perished in the tragic accident.”
He also noted that the search is still ongoing for the 125 passengers who remain missing.
The incident has drawn significant attention, with local authorities and volunteers working around the clock to recover the remaining victims.